The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst
I had the pleasure of reading an advance reader copy of The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst, which releases today, July 15th. Set in the same whimsical world as Durst’s bestselling adult fantasy novel The Spellshop, this new installment follows Terlu, an eccentric librarian who created Caz, the sentient spider plant from The Spellshop.
Unlike epic fantasies which are action-packed, The Enchanted Greenhouse settles into a slower, cozier pace. While some readers may find this pace too slow, fans of Durst’s signature warmth, charming worldbuilding, and wholesome romance will enjoy this. The story centers on Terlu and Yarrow, who spend most of their time alone on the remote island with magical greenhouses. As a result, much of the novel unfolds through Terlu’s inner reflections and narrative, and the delightful banter between her and Yarrow. Their romance develops quickly (in what some might call “insta-love”) but it feels fitting given the isolation on the island. After all, they are the only two humans living there! .
Though character-driven, the novel isn’t without stakes. The central conflict revolves around the urgent need to preserve the island’s failing magic, which threatens to destroy the enchanted greenhouses and with them, the lives of the sentient plants who live in these magical greenhouses.
Plant lovers will most likely enjoy the vivid and imaginative descriptions of each unique greenhouse. Despite the plant theme, though, this is not a book to read during warm weather because the entire story is set in a snowy autumn time period, concluding with a feast celebrating the Winter Solstice.
Themes of redemption and healing are woven throughout, though I did wish Terlu’s lingering guilt over her past was resolved a bit more swiftly especially when contrasted with the relatively tidy resolution of other familial tensions.
Character Highlights:
Yarrow (the “grump”): Lives in the coziest cottage imaginable and bakes irresistible honey cakes and hearty meals.
Terlu (the “sunshine”): Rescued from her stone statue form and revived on the island. Smart, determined, and delightfully quirky.
Sentient plants galore: Including Lotti, a resurrection rose with attitude; Dendy, a loyal philodendron; and Ree, a nautically-inclined plant with dreams of adventure.
Emeral: A winged, spoiled cat who demands attention and treats in equal measure.
Flying dragons: Adorably helpful and easily bribed with sweets.
Marin the Sailor: A kind-hearted delivery woman who agrees to take Ree along on her supply runs. I’m very hopeful we’ll see a third book set in the outer islands of Alyssium starring Marin and Ree!
The Enchanted Greenhouse is a tender, heartwarming fantasy that reads like a warm mug of rich hot coca on a snowy evening—comforting, whimsical, and full of charm.
